Expert: in Terms of Iran-Armenia Relations New Opportunities are Opening

• 02.10.2016, 09:40
•  Region,  World,  Armenia,  Interview

"Armedia" IAA presents an iexclusive nterview with an expert on Iranian studies, Mher Baghdasaryan on developments around Iran after the signing of the nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal signed between Iran and the six international mediators officially entered into force. What can we expect in terms of development of Iranian-Western relations both in economic and political fields?

Though the slogan of Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979 was "no west, no east, only Islamic republic", attempts were being made to somehow restore damaged relations. Nearly 35 years, ever since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has been in the economic and political blockade. Western "policy of sanctions" may reach its goal if they had to deal with Iran's dependence only from the West. But Iran’s economic possibilities, natural resources and Iran's weight in the region and the world market generally resulted in the fact that today we witness a significant and fundamental change in the relations between Iran and the West.

Of course we should note the fact that this warming of relations happened amid tensions between the US and Russia, when the United States began imposing sanctions this time against Russia. Speaking with the language of sanctions with two major regional states could have unpredictable consequences for the West. Iran started to use the opportunity in quite active way. The proof is European visits of Iran's president and cooperation agreements. Another important fact is Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Russia quadrilateral cooperation agreement on the electricity sector which gives new opportunities to all the parties.

However, it is too early to speak about the complete normalization of relations between Iran and the West. At this stage, both parties will try to get the maximum benefit from the provided opportunity and strengthen their positions and economic relations. Iran’s political and economic goals in the region in many cases contradict the US plans.

How would you evaluate deepening of Iran-Russia military and political ties? Is this cooperation in the interests of the two countries, or rather an anti-Western alliance?

It should be noted that the possible establishment of Iran-Russia anti-Western alliance will be a cooperation that will be in the interests of the two countries, especially in the Middle East. But it would be wrong to say Iran and Russia do not have conflicting interests. It's just common challenges that bring the two countries together, pushing for cooperation.

We see Iran is significantly increasing its involvement in the Middle East conflicts (Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq), gradually becoming a powerful country in the region. What is the reason? Will Tehran continue the policy of increasing its involvement in the Middle East? What should we expect?

It is not a secret that Iran, being an old country, historically played a great role in almost all important regional developments. For many years Iran has been an important country in the region. International sanctions have hindered Iran to pursue active policy, but Iran always tries not to stay apart from the developments, because every foreign intervention in the region is considered by Iran a threat to its own security.

Syria has remained the only reliable partner for Iran in the Arab world. And this was probably the reason why Iran has involved in the Syrian conflict just from the beginning and opposed the West, supporting Assad’s government. In general Iran aims to strengthen its positions in Islamic world and enhance the reputation of Islam in the international arena.

Can we consider the recent confrontation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the context of Iran’s desire to take an active role in the region? Or is there another reason for these tensions?

The history of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia is even older than the Islamic revolution. Back in the 1970's, when Iran and the Arabian Peninsula countries were actively involved in the activities of the international oil market, there was a rivalry between them that sometimes led to some tensions, especially as the West itself has been artificially intensifying the situation from time to time to get its benefits. But recently the signing of the nuclear deal added to this which could create serious problems for the oil exporting Saudi Arabia.

What are the prospects of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Iran? Is Armenia’s enthusiasm about the lifting of sanctions from Iran justified?

Relations between Armenia and Iran formed and began to develop in quite a difficult period for both countries when Iran has just started to recover after the Islamic revolution and the long and bloody Iran-Iraq war, and the Republic of Armenia was in a state of war. Relations continued developing even against the background of growing international sanctions imposed on Iran.

So now when Iran has the opportunity to implement new programs in the international arena quite fruitful period for Armenian-Iranian relations is opening, moving the relationship to a higher level. It is about connecting other countries via Armenia. There are agreements already signed in the field of the construction of energy systems and transit. Iran has expressed readiness to increase the amount of gas import to Armenia. The implementation of the project of construction of Iran-Armenia railway is becoming, as well as the construction of the North-South highway are becoming more relevant. Wide opportunities may open for Armenia and it is very important that in this situation the Government of Armenia come up with its own initiatives.